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Do you have underboob rashes? Find out what causes it and 7 tips to treat it

An underboob rash is caused by sweating as well as many other reasons. Here are all the causes and 7 tips to fix itchy breasts.
Nipple hair is normal! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 5 Jan 2024, 15:58 pm IST
Medically Reviewed by
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First of all, if you see rashes under your breasts, don’t freak out. Underboob rashes are a very common problem and can show symptoms such as skin redness, rashes, inflammation, and other skin discolorations. Your breast’s surrounding region is extremely delicate. Due to this, excessive perspiration or friction might cause a rash under breast. In fact, one of its causes is infection. A breast rash, however, can be concerning if the cause cannot be determined. So let’s identify all of its causes.

Some rashes under your breasts may go away on their own over time. However, some of you will require care and treatment to prevent further problems.

Health Shots got in touch with dermatologist Dr Nivedita Dadu , to find out what causes underboob rashes and how you can cure them.

Dr Dadu says, “An under-breast rash can cause symptoms of itching, swelling, dryness, and even wounds or open sores. There are different causes of itchy underboobs and rashes, including inflammation, allergic reactions, chronic skin conditions, or fungus under the breast.”

Here are 5 causes of underboob rashes:

1. Dermatitis

Intertrigo is a type of irritant dermatitis that is primarily characterized by skin fold inflammation. This is one of the primary causes of itchy rash under breast. Sweating can create rashes because it tends to gather in skin folds and because too much moisture can irritate the skin.

Itchiness and inflammation are a result of dermatitis. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Excessive sweating

The most common causes of itchy underboobs and rashes are excessive sweating, heat, lack of air circulation, and wearing an ill-fitting bra that rubs against the breasts. Factors such as hot, humid climates and obesity contribute to rash under breast.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, heat, sweat, and weight gain can all cause rashes to form between the breasts or under the breasts, especially during pregnancy.

4. Mastitis

Mastitis is a condition that causes inflammation and infection in breast tissue. It often occurs in women who are breastfeeding but can also occur in women who aren’t breastfeeding. In a breastfeeding mother, this is typically caused by germs found in the baby’s mouth or bacteria found on the skin, which enters through the milk duct and can cause a milk duct infection. Common symptoms of mastitis include breast pain, swelling, nausea, fever, chills, and nipple discharge.

5. Heat rash

Heat rash under breast happens with skin-on-skin rubbing, causing red, bumpy, and raw-feeling skin. Heat rashes can occur under your boobs and between your breasts. Fevers, heavy clothing, and humidity can trigger a heat rash, too.

6. Diabetes

A fungal infection due to Candida albicans, can be caused at various places in diabetes patients, such as the area under the breast, between fingers and toes, nailbeds and armpits. The infected area would look moist and have tiny red blisters. Fungal infections might include jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm.

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There are lotions and steroid creams available that can help alleviate itchy underboobs, and there are preventive products you can apply to help improve skin-on-skin friction and keep heat rash at bay.

What can you do about a rash under the breasts?

Skin rashes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with varying symptoms. They can be challenging to diagnose, especially if they appear suddenly or without any obvious cause. While some rashes are harmless, others can be problematic. Here are some remedies to treat rash under breast, suggested by Dr Dadu:

1. Cold compress

A cold compress can relieve many symptoms, such as itching and burning sensations caused by rashes under the breasts. Put some ice in a thin cotton towel and put it over the affected area for five to 10 minutes. Take a break and then repeat.

A cold compress can relieve itchiness. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Use calamine lotion

Calamine lotion can be used on an underboob rash to provide soothing relief from itching and speed up the healing process. It will also help keep the area dry and thus reduce the chance of infection.

3. Go braless for few days

When you have an underboob rash, it’s important to let your breasts breathe. Trapped moisture will only irritate the skin further. If you’re getting an underboob rash or if the rash is becoming aggressive, you should go braless for a few days.

4. Use cotton

The best way to deal with an underboob rash is to reduce the accumulation of sweat around the breast area. Place a thin piece of cotton between the lower part of the breasts and the skin underneath to absorb moisture and create a barrier.

Also, read: Ladies, blame that breast acne on these 4 culprits

5. Wear cotton bras

Bras that are made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials such as cotton and modal are perfect options to wear during underboob rash. It will increase airflow to keep the underboob rash dry throughout the day.

Also, wear lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton or natural fibres that helps absorb moisture and keeps the body sweat free.

6. Clean the area properly

When showering, use a mild cleanser or unscented soap and wash lightly under the breasts to ensure that the rash is getting the proper care it needs.

Keep your breasts clean! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Do not use scented products

Scented soap can irritate the rash, causing more itchiness and pain. When looking for new soaps, cleansers, and lotions, search for unscented varieties with fewer harsh ingredients.

Can a rash on the breast be breast cancer?

It may be a symptom of breast cancer in extremely rare circumstances. Therefore, if after trying these tips, the underboob rashes are still there, it’s best to seek medical advice. If cancer is present, early detection increases the likelihood of effective therapy.

Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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